Auto Italia 2017

The weekend of April 1-3 saw 56 members participate in an awesome three day event. An excellent representation of IMSMC, to all members who attended a very big thank you!

Saturday morning saw 24 IMSMC vehicles, including 16 x Fiat 500's meet at Pheasants Nest truckstop to begin our cavalcade down the Hume Hwy, bound for the nations capital.

Our first stop being at Mackay VC rest area for our traditional morning tea consisting of the finest small goods (hot salami, mortadella, provolone and ham) from the Campisi fine food deli, prepared by passionate members Rino & Lena Zanello and Peter & Ivana Perri - Thank you! Our traditional coffee was percolating in the background (Thanks Prodata) satisfying the masses. Members also offered cake and biscotti which went well with the coffee!

Our next stop was the big merino at Goulburn for a quick stretch and re-fuel. Our cars always creating a special interest from the public, a fleet of sixteen Fiat 500's is not something you see every day! Onward to the Wereewa lookout, for a photo opportunity (Thank you Dan at Kalcic Design and Photography) for his excellent work & passion.

Upon arrival, all booked in to their respective rooms, then we enjoyed an afternoon of refreshments at the Osteni bar, within walking distance.

On Saturday night, a bus transported us the the Hellenic Club in the city, for an evening of passionate discussion, all looking forward to what was forthcoming - The big display on the lawns of Old Parliament House. Our Fiat 500's, joined by some ACT members, cavalcaded through the streets of Canberra, bound for their destination. A photo opportunity infront of the Iconic building attracting paparazzi from afar!

2017 is deemed as being the most successful Auto Italia event, with over 500 cars entering the gates!

Our display and participation certainly did not go unnoticed, as the Italian Ambassador his excellency Pier Francesco Zazo taking the time to inspect our Fiat 500's and complimenting each on their presentation. All things considered, our clubs contribution was acknowledged with FIVE awards;

1... Emmanuel Ziino - Best Modern Masserati - 2014 GranCabrio MC Shift

2... Eugene Adoncello - Best Fiat Sedan - 1965 Fiat 1500 MKIII

3... Tony Albanese - Presidents encouragement 1968 Fiat 500

4... Gerado Mediati - Best Fiat 500 (Classic) 1969 695SS Abarth

5... Alessandro Di Rocco - The Ian Campbell Memorial award - acknowledged as the "Best Car of  Auto Italia 2017". 1960 595 SS Abarth

Sunday afternoon saw many members depart for Sydney, while some remained opting for a Monday morning departure and spending an exceptional evening at Belluci's Ristorante.

A wonderful weekend, in great company, sharing in enthusiasm and Passion. Thank you to all  who attended such an excellent event!